Biography of Dawud Wharnsby, the pioneer Nasheed artist

“Wharnsby’s message is substantive, and his vocals are compelling, similar in style to Peter Yarrow and Paul Simon.”

~ Dallas Morning News

For over twenty-five years Canadian born artisan, writer and musician Dawud Wharnsby has worked with Sound Vision toward the goal of helping young Muslims learn how to be better neighbours and more conscientious global citizens.

Inspired by the the age-old use of artistic expression to unite people in their common experiences, joys and struggles, Dawud began writing songs and working as an educational puppeteer while still in his teens.  Over three decades later, his efforts have yielded five poetry anthologies, numerous sound-track credits and hundreds of original songs.

Dawud has worked with Sound Vision Foundation in countless creative roles since 1996, participating in the production of the Adam’s World series/App, several video documentaries, Radioislam programming and the Muslimfest Arts Festival.  His popular recordings of English language anasheed (including “A Whisper of Peace”, “Colours of Islam”, “Road To Madinah” and many others) were among the first of their kind ever produced and distributed internationally.  His pioneering work through Sound Vision has been referenced in textbook publications affiliated with Harvard University in the USA, as well as Oxford University and Cambridge University Press in the United Kingdom.

In time-honoured, community/folk-music custom, Wharnsby’s songs have taken on lives of their own over the years.  His melodies can be heard ringing out around the world in primary schools, universities, places of worship, rallies, conventions and sing-a-longs ~ his lyrics having found their way into the hearts of listeners regardless of age.

As a voice for the socially conscious and spiritually motivated, Dawud’s books, recordings, articles and intimate live performances have inspired a generation of educators, musicians, poets, artists and professionals.  The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (Jordan) has consistently included Dawud on their annual list of the “500 Most Influential Muslims” for his contributions to entertainment and the arts.

Dawud’s bridge-building approach to spirituality keeps him actively engaged with inter-faith projects and peace efforts world-wide.  He tours and records with the band Abraham Jam (alongside his friends David LaMotte and Billy Jonas) using harmony to celebrate mutual support and respect between Abrahamic traditions.

A strong advocate of Simple Living and Traditional Trades, Dawud’s handiwork as an artisan also includes woodworking, photography, painting, illustration, film production, beekeeping, landscaping and candle making.

Dawud resides with his family in Kitchener, Canada  ~ where he is always singing as he home-schools his daughters, tinkers around the house and experiments with urban farming.